Rainwater Harvesting Systems

The Mains to Rains Hope project by designer Hope Underwood introduces a rainwater harvesting system that attaches directly to drainpipes on existing buildings. Developed as part of her work at Northumbria University, the concept aims to reduce reliance on mains water by capturing and storing rain at the source—redirecting it for use in urban agriculture, cleaning, or irrigation. Its modular, low-cost design enables easy retrofitting to homes, campuses, or public buildings without large-scale infrastructure changes.

Each unit uses UV-resistant components and transparent reservoirs that make water levels visible and educational. Overflow systems prevent flooding, while integrated taps allow users to easily access stored water. By shifting water collection to the hyper-local scale, Underwood’s project addresses climate adaptation in a practical, accessible way. It encourages individuals and institutions to take part in decentralized water systems—creating resilience through design that is both functional and quietly transformative.

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